Some motorcyclists say that four cylinders, let alone six, are too many for a bike motor. But the Honda CBX 1000, like this one recently offered for sale on eBay, has won over many an ardent critic. It’s widely regarded as one of the best-sounding and smoothest motorcycle engines ever made.
About That Motor
The CBX makes no apologies for being all about its engine, although Honda wasn’t the first manufacturer to offer a straight-six motor in a bike. Italian firm Benelli beat them to it with a machine we featured recently—the Benelli Sei - opens in new window or tab.. But this didn’t stop the CBX from establishing itself in the world of high-speed motorcycling.
After sampling the CBX at Willow Springs and Orange County race circuits, famed US scribe Crook Neilson wrote, “The objective—to build the fastest production motorcycle for sale anywhere in the world—has been met.”
Esteemed British journalist L. J. K. Setright proffered, “The CBX feels better and goes better [than Honda’s CB900F], and the difference is greater than the difference in price, so the costlier bike is actually the better bargain. The CBX engine is as responsive as a racer, the nicest cycle motor to ever reach the street.”
So, there was little gray area among contemporary reviewers, and enthusiasts agreed. While its six cylinders strung out across the frame made it look peculiar to some, Cycle World - opens in new window or tab. heralded its capabilities. It published a standing quarter-mile time of just 11.64 seconds in a preproduction 1978 model. The 1979 version accelerated with even greater ferocity.
Who Is Kaz Yoshima?
Kaz Yoshima cut his teeth working in Japan for Honda before moving to Canada and settling in Ontario, where he established a firm called Moto Tech. Soon, it was producing examples of Honda’s CB400F - opens in new window or tab. that were troubling much bigger and more powerful bikes on the circuits. It was only a matter of time before he got hold of a CBX, and when he did, the result was the handsome, menacing machine you see here.
It looks good and almost evokes the famous “John Player Special - opens in new window or tab.” Lotus F1 livery of the time, with the jet-black paintwork subtly complemented by some tastefully applied gold pinstriping. However, the performance department intrigued Yoshima the most. Judging by the list of enhancements carried out in the name of power and speed, it’s hard to imagine that anything on two wheels could outrun one back in ‘79.
The full complement of modifications is clearly outlined in the listing, but to highlight just a few:
- 1200-cc piston kit
- Steel con rods (usually Carillo)
- Special Kaz 29 mm carburetors (six of them!)
- Six-into-two Kerker exhaust system - opens in new window or tab.
- Magnesium wheels
There is so much more, and we urge you to look closer. A peak horsepower figure isn’t quoted, but the original 105 horsepower likely has been raised to well over 130. There’s a six-port nitrous oxide kit fitted—but apparently never used—just in case that isn’t quite enough.
Just Some Light Recommissioning
Built for $35,000 around 40 years ago, this CBX is one of just five in the owner's possession. While it has been stored for a short while, the vendor claims to have gone through it during the pandemic. It’ll need some sorting before it’s fit for the streets, but the seller will be happy to carry this out for a fee.
These bikes were built for just four years. For the last two, power was down and weight was up with the CBX-B and CBX-C models. So not only is this from the most desirable years of manufacture, it has also been breathed upon by one of the finest Honda tuners of the era.
If you’re wondering exactly how amazing these things sound, dip into this for a moment—but be prepared to want one!
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